Title :
Evaluation of Kapton pyrolysis, arc tracking, and arc propagation on the Space Station Freedom (SSF) solar array flexible current carrier (FCC)
Author :
Stueber, Thomas J.
Author_Institution :
Sverdrup Technology Inc., Cleveland, OH, USA
Abstract :
The likelihood of Kapton pyrolysis, arc tracking, and propagation phenomena, and the magnitude of destruction conceivably inflicted on Space Station Freedom´s (SSF´s) flexible current carrier (FCC) for the photovoltaic array, is addressed. The geometric layout of the FCC, having a planar-type orientation as opposed to bundles, may reduce the probability of sustaining an arc. An experimental investigation has also been conducted to simulate conditions under which an arc can occur on the FCC, and the consequences of arc initiation
Keywords :
arcs (electric); conductors (electric); insulation; pyrolysis; solar cell arrays; space vehicle power plants; Kapton pyrolysis; Space Station Freedom; arc initiation; arc propagation; arc tracking; geometric layout; planar-type orientation; solar array flexible current carrier; Atomic beams; Circuit simulation; Circuit testing; Conductors; FCC; Plasma density; Plasma simulation; Plasma sources; Power supplies; Space stations;
Conference_Titel :
Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, 1991., Conference Record of the Twenty Second IEEE
Conference_Location :
Las Vegas, NV
Print_ISBN :
0-87942-636-5
DOI :
10.1109/PVSC.1991.169461
